|
|
|
|
|
Severe Cold Weather Protocol
|
|
|
| On Wednesday afternoon, Governor Lamont directed the state's severe cold weather protocol to go into effect until 12:00 PM on Monday, January 22nd. |
|
| This is the first time the protocol has been activated this season. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.
Please click here for emergency management news and resources. |
|
|
Tax Relief Measures in 2024
|
|
|
| As a result of fiscal responsibility and bipartisanship in 2023, I am pleased to announce that significant relief is on the way for many Connecticut taxpayers in 2024!
Three tax relief measures took effect on January 1st, including the largest income tax cut in state history, an increase in a tax credit aimed at the lowest-income workers, and an expansion of exemptions on certain pension and annuity earnings that will benefit the senior population.
Keep reading for a closer look at the tax cuts, who specifically benefits, and how. |
|
| One million filers to benefit from income tax cuts
The changes enacted in 2024 will see a decrease in the two lowest rates:
- The 3% rate on the first $10,000 earned by single filers and the first $20,000 by joint filers will drop to 2%.
- The 5% rate on the next $40,000 earned by single filers and the next $80,000 by joint filers will drop to 4.5%.
The relief targets middle-class tax filers and is capped at $150,000 for single filers and $300,000 for joint filers. This is the first time that rates have been reduced in the state since the mid-1990s and it represents the largest income tax cut enacted in state history. |
|
| For more information on single filers, please click here. For joint filers, please use this link. |
|
| Connecticut’s Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income workers becomes one of the largest in the U.S.
The EITC in Connecticut is increasing from 30.5% to 40% of the federal EITC and will provide an additional $44.6 million in state tax credits to the approximately 211,000 low-income filers who receive the credit. More than 95 percent of filers who receive this credit are families with children. |
|
| The Connecticut EITC is a refundable state income tax credit for the lowest income working individuals and families that mirrors the federal EITC. |
|
| Expanding certain deductions for IRA distributions and pension and annuity earnings for seniors
The state budget eliminates the retirement income tax cliff by adding a phase-out for allowable pension annuity and IRA distribution deductions against the personal income tax. |
|
| Approximately 200,000 filers benefit from the currently enacted retiree exemption limits. It is estimated that with these changes, an additional 100,000 filers could benefit from the elimination of the retirement cliff via the exemption phase-out.
I would like to thank all my colleagues for working diligently during the 2023 legislative session to help provide this tax relief for many of our hardest-working state residents. These three measures will reduce tax burdens on CT taxpayers by $460 million! |
|
|
Road Work on I-95 in Stamford
|
|
|
| Exciting improvements are on the horizon for travelers on I-95! Crews will be upgrading the pavement on I-95 in both directions between exits 2 and 6 in Stamford and Greenwich. Drivers can expect to see crews and lane closures starting on April 1st, but there may be some work before then. |
|
| The project includes adding new, more durable pavement and milling. Crews will replace traffic and signal loops on ramps, catch basin tops, small traffic signs with no foundations, and pavement markings. It is anticipated that the project will be completed by November 30th, 2025. |
|
|
Operation Fuel Application Period Now Open
|
|
|
You're not alone if you're struggling to pay your utility bills. Operation Fuel is here to lend a helping hand. Their energy assistance program for the winter/spring season is now open for applications. Please keep in mind that applications will only be accepted until Friday, March 1st, or until funds run out.
Households with incomes that do not exceed 75% of the State Median Income Guidelines may qualify for assistance. These households include - but are not limited to - the elderly, disabled, working families, or individuals facing a financial crisis. |
|
Eligible clients may apply for energy assistance (gas, electric, oil, or other deliverable fuel) ONCE per year and receive a grant of UP TO $500.
For utility assistance (electric & gas), clients must show they made at least four payments in the past 12 months, must owe a past due amount, and provide at least four weeks of income information.
Operation Fuel is accepting applications for water and energy bill assistance for:
Electric: Eversource, United Illuminating (UI), and Norwalk Public Utilities
Gas: Eversource, UI, Yankee Gas, Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), and Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG)
Water: CT Water and The Metropolitan District (MDC) |
|
Operation Fuel has been assisting Connecticut residents for 46 years. In that time, it has distributed millions of dollars in assistance to help thousands of Connecticut households.
For more information and to apply for assistance, please click here. |
|
|
Additional Electric Vehicle Charging Stations for Stamford
|
|
|
| Exciting news for eco-friendly drivers in Stamford: The city is gearing up to introduce 24 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations! Thanks to a generous $14.5 million grant from the federal government, Connecticut's commitment to promoting green transportation just got a significant boost. |
|
| Keep an eye out at the Beford Street Parking Garage and the Summer Street Parking Garage, as each will be equipped with 12 cutting-edge chargers. These additions bolster the state's already impressive network of 726 accessible EV charging stations.
Interested in learning more? Follow this link for the full details. |
|
|
Black and Puerto Rican Caucus Forum
|
|
|
| On Tuesday, I attended the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus Forum, which focused on addressing the needs and concerns of our diverse community.
During the forum, we had the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about key issues affecting Black and Puerto Rican communities. We discussed topics such as education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and social justice. It was inspiring to see community leaders, activists, and residents come together to share their perspectives and work toward positive change. |
|
 |
| WATCH: The Black and Puerto Rican Caucus Forum |
|
| As your representative, it's important for me to actively participate in events like these to ensure that your voices are heard and your concerns are addressed. Rest assured, I remain committed to advocating for policies that promote equality, inclusivity, and justice for all members of our community.
Please click on the image above to watch the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus Forum. |
|
| If you have any issues, concerns, or feedback, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact me at 860-240-8585 if you ever need anything or by email at hubert.delany@cga.ct.gov
Sincerely,
Hubert Delany |
|
|
|
|
|
|
